From mouth sores to infections, foxtails aren’t just annoying; they are painful for horses and pets. But the potential secondary problems are even worse. If a foxtail enters the skin, respiratory tract or urinary tract of a dog or cat, it can result in infection, inflammation or worse. Once inside, foxtails can migrate to different areas of an animal’s body.
Note the pictures of the various foxtails in this article.
Source: Paulick Report, October 6, 2025. Link.
Foxtail seeds contain microscopic barbs that can cause seeds to attach and embed into the soft tissues of animals.”
Image: Link.